Old Dominion University Shooting: Former National Guard Member with ISIS Ties Identified as Gunman

A shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, left one person dead and two others injured. The suspected shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, likewise died during the incident.

What Happened at ODU?

Law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting inside Constant Hall, the university’s College of Business. According to Old Dominion Police Chief Garrett Shelton, one person was killed and two others were injured in the shooting. Two of the injured were transported to a hospital in Norfolk, while another sought treatment at a hospital in Virginia Beach. All victims were affiliated with the university, and the two surviving victims were reported to be in stable condition.

The university initially issued an alert stating the shooter had been “neutralized” before sending an all-clear notification to the campus community just after noon. ODU President Brian Hemphill described the shooting as a tragedy and thanked emergency responders for their swift response.

The Gunman: Mohamed Bailor Jalloh

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, has been identified as the gunman. He was a former member of the Virginia National Guard, serving as a combat engineer from April 2009 to April 2015. He left the Army as a specialist.

Jalloh previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. According to CNN, before the attack began, Jalloh shouted “Allahu Akbar” — or “God is greater.”

Prior Terrorism Conviction and Prison Release

Jalloh attempted to procure weapons and donate money to ISIS in 2016, praising past attacks on U.S. Military targets, including the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. He was arrested on July 3, 2016, and pleaded guilty that same year. In October 2017, he was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Prosecutors had recommended a 20-year sentence.

The Associated Press reported that Jalloh was released from prison early after completing a drug treatment program, despite his terrorism conviction potentially disqualifying him from this benefit.

Heroic Response by ROTC Students

The FBI stated that ROTC students in the classroom subdued Jalloh, preventing further violence. One of the students stabbed Jalloh, according to law enforcement sources. The ultimate cause of Jalloh’s death remains unclear.

Victim Identified

The victim who was killed has been identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a devoted ROTC instructor, according to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Investigation and Current Status

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. Jalloh strategically planned the attack during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time he previously identified in court records as an ideal period for carrying out an attack. Court documents reveal Jalloh became radicalized after consuming extremist propaganda, including lectures from al-Qaeda-linked cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.

Authorities have stated there is currently no ongoing threat to the ODU campus community.